Heath Miller hopes to put the tight end back into the Steelers passing offense after a decade in which the position served virtually as a third tackle.

The Steelers first-round draft choice overcame offseason sports hernia surgery to participate fully in the team's spring drills that ended June 9. He looked stiff and rusty in the early weeks but more fluid as the drills progressed.

Last season, three Steelers tight ends caught 17 passes, led by Jerame Tuman with nine. By drafting the 6-5, 256-pound Miller, Pittsburgh indicated it plans to give its tight end more than blocking assignments in 2005.

Miller caught 144 passes in four years at Virginia and scored 20 touchdowns.

"If you have a guy that can run down the middle of the field and can block at the point of attack in the run game, it certainly gives you an advantage," said offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, a former NFL tight end. "I think he has the ability to stretch the field."

Miller got the feeling from his spring workouts that the Steelers will use him as a receiver.

"The tight end is out on a number of routes here," he said. "I just have to learn the offense. I think I gradually learned more as the minicamp went on. I tried to get through it and show I'm comfortable on a football field."

The loss of 6-5 1/2 wide receiver Plaxico Burress to the New York Giants in free agency should give Miller even more stature in Pittsburgh's passing game. Hines Ward, at 6 feet, is the tallest of their top three receivers.

The loss of 6-5 1/2 wide receiver Plaxico Burress to the New York Giants in free agency should give Miller even more stature in Pittsburgh's passing game. Hines Ward, at 6 feet, is the tallest of their top three receivers.

i hadent really thought about that but its a good point. When miller was drafted i figured he would just be used to block, but it looks like i might be prooved wrong, which is a good thing.

I agree. If they used a first round draft choice they need to utilize this guy. I have heard from tons of people he has great hands and can catch well. He needs to be used as a passing weapon also.

I think they jumped on this guy because the know he can use his hands, and I believe he will be an added option for Ben to throw to. I think the addition of Miller could really open up the entire offense, and from the reports I have heard...Miller seems to be doing well!!!

I smell first round bust all over this guy. Not completely his fault though. Pittsburgh will continue to run like the wind. Miller will create options but he will not be utilized to his potential. So he has great hands..... but we have even better running backs. (and starting wide receivers) He may develop into an impact player. But not this year.

I smell first round bust all over this guy. Not completely his fault though. Pittsburgh will continue to run like the wind. Miller will create options but he will not be utilized to his potential. So he has great hands..... but we have even better running backs. (and starting wide receivers) He may develop into an impact player. But not this year.

I hope your wrong! But I can see your point, and if we don`t use him as a recieving TE I will be totally disappointed.

Bruener had all kinds of records in his pocket when he came outta washington, and he went on to a pretty darn good career w/ us. I still wish we'd have utilized him more in the passing game..but our Steelers are our Steelers.. we run first, always, and if ur not versatile and a team player, u wont last long.